Health Canada published its final regulatory requirements related to mandatory labeling of mechanically tenderized beef in part II of the Canada Gazette on May 21st, 2014.

In comparison to the initial set of requirements previously described on this blog, you will note that some changes were introduced to ensure more flexibility of application of the labeling requirements where applicable, while maintaining the main objective of ensuring that consumers are duly informed when beef is mechanically tenderized through a statement on the label, in a consistent and clear fashion. These changes are the result of the consultation process and the feed-back from the stakeholder community.

Health Canada’s Food Directorate published a guidance document to support the industry sector’s readiness for the implementation of these requirements upon the coming into force of the regulations, planned for August 2014.